Kolkata

Travel Guide

New Market which includes a city and street scenes
Victoria Memorial which includes a pond, a memorial and heritage architecture
Howrah Bridge showing general coastal views, a bridge and boating
Kolkata featuring a city, interior views and markets
Dakshineswar Kali Temple featuring religious elements, a temple or place of worship and night scenes

The former capital of the British Raj is a friendly city blessed with architectural diversity, festivals and an eclectic cuisine.

Once the capital of British India, Kolkata is the bustling capital of West Bengal and often referred to as the cultural heart of India. Colonial landmarks battle for space with colourful temples and lively markets present a sensory overload. Public gardens offer a respite from this hot and crowded, yet ultimately rewarding destination. 

Many attractions are in and around the Maidan, a huge public park where locals relax and play cricket or soccer. Marvel at the marble Victoria Memorial before tracing Kolkata’s colonial-era history at the Calcutta Gallery. Visit British-built monuments such as Fort William and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Find archaeological relics, including centuries-old Hindu sculptures, at the Indian Museum.

Walk or take a rickshaw to the BBD Bagh district, or Dalhousie Square, to see more examples of the city’s past, such as the Raj Bhavan and the neo-Gothic High Court. Watch a cricket match at the Eden Gardens and sample street food cooked by vendors at nearby Fairlie Place. 

Take a taxi or rickshaw across the River Hooghly via the impressive Howrah Bridge. Visit the flower market at Mullick Ghat and see devotees offer prayers at shrines. Admire giant lilies and a centuries-old banyan tree at the picturesque Indian Botanic Garden, a 15-minute drive from Howrah Bridge. 

Shop and bargain for fabrics and leather goods in New Market. Explore the chaotic streets of Barabazar Market while browsing textile shops and spotting religious sights. Stroll down Phears Lane in Old Chinatown, famous for sweetshops, teahouses and kebab stores. Along Park Street, elegant restaurants present Kolkata’s tangy Bengali cuisine.

Kolkata proudly showcases Bengali and Hindu art, dance and music. A popular festival is the 5-day Durga Puja, a flamboyant event with music, parades and performances at pop-up temples.

Kolkata is close to the border with Bangladesh and you can reach it via India’s excellent network of long-distance buses and trains. The city’s international airport has connections to major destinations around the world.

Reviews of Kolkata

3.8
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
21
5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
36
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
23
3 - Okay 27%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 5%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Felt very safe. Very busy city do not go expecting peace and quiet. Bustling and not touristy. We loved wandering and walking and seeing the street life. The Victoria monument is stunning and we highly recommend a wander around the sculptures area.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It is my birthplace, my root to the city is deep. It makes me nostalgic.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Okay. People are oddly rude. Not all but some especially taxi drivers.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nothing in particular.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Narrow crowded roads it take a lot of time to cover small distances. Comparatively more congested and not a clean city.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

I had last visited Kolkata in 2013 and my wife had visited in 2000. A lot has changed but for the worse.The streets were choked with hawkers particularly, the central areas. Processions and sloganeering were the favorite pastime, it seemed.